Zahn R230 Establishes a New Standard of Power and Versatility

March 31, 2008

PERRY, Oklahoma – The Ditch Witch organization, the company that introduced the first compact trencher in 1949, announces the release of a new family of trenchers featuring an unprecedented combination of power, speed, versatility, visibility and maneuverability. The new ZahnTM series consists of three power units and a set of compatible front ends designed to provide dedicated performance. With up to 30 horses of power, articulated steering and unmatched ground speed, the Zahn series promises to be a breakthrough for the trenching industry.

Among the power units is the Zahn R230, a machine that company CEO Tiffany Sewell-Howard says is the greatest 23-hp trencher ever made. “The Zahn R230 is more powerful, more productive, and faster than any machine in its class,” says Sewell-Howard. “But it is more than just a great trencher. The Zahn is a radical new concept, a new way of thinking abut trenching equipment.”

The Zahn R230 power unit includes a 23-hp Kohler® gas engine, operator’s console, and articulation joint that enables the front end to perform like a dedicated unit. The two-wheel-drive R230 powers two types of front-end trenchers, while its four-wheel-drive InterChange counterpart accepts up to seven types of front ends: trencher, plow, dumper, tiller, backhoe, stump grinder, and a tool carrier that can drive more than 40 quick-change attachments.

“What makes the Zahn so revolutionary is its multi-function ability,” says Kevin Smith, Product Manager for Compact Utility. “In the past, when customers bought versatility or a machine with attachments, they expected to give up performance. But not with the Zahn.”

The InterChange connection is just one of the many innovative features of the R230. Its articulation joint and fully hydraulic, articulated steering provide unmatched maneuverability, enabling the operator to easily trench a curve around trees, swimming pools, and other obstacles that utility workers and landscapers inevitably come across. At only 36 inches (914 mm) wide, the compact Zahn R230 enables the operator to get in, out, and around the tightest jobsites with ease. Options like dual wheels and 20-inch (508 mm) urethane-filled, flat-proof tires make the Zahn R230 slightly wider but more productive and stable. The Zahn R230 has an exclusive traction-assist feature that provides extra torque on demand, enabling it to push more, pull more, and traverse soft ground with minimal tire slippage.

The roomy, ride-on platform of the Zahn R230 is designed to absorb shock, minimize fatigue, and keep the operator out of dirt, mud, and debris. Standing on the platform, the operator faces an exceptionally well-designed operator’s console, with soft-touch, color-coded, ergonomic controls that are easy to grip, easy to learn, and provide smooth, easy operation. The platform is elevated to give the operator an unobstructed view of the work, resulting in accurate installations and increased productivity.

Productivity is further enhanced by the Zahn R230’s ground speed, which is up to twice that of any pedestrian trencher, and faster than any mini skid steer on the market. Selectable ground drive speed ranges enable the operator to choose the optimal speed and controllability for different applications. The Zahn R230 also comes standard with cruise control, which locks in the ground speed and minimizes operator fatigue.

The weight of the R230 is distributed to maximize the efficiency of trenching, backfilling, plowing, and any task it is given. And it can perform any task for hours on end, thanks to its large, 11-gallon (41 L) fuel tank.

Features and Benefits of Zahn R230 Front Ends

Trencher

The power, compact size, and superior articulating ability of the Zahn trencher enable the operator to trench a curve around a swimming pool, building or garden as easily as it can trench a straight line.

¢ Design concentrates weight on the digging chain so it penetrates the ground easier, enhancing overall stability and productivity.

¢ Hydraulic drive eliminates maintenance of chains, belts and linkages, and allows the use of a reversible digging chain that helps dislodge rocks and other debris easily.

¢ Two-wheel-drive model accepts chains up to 8 inches (203 mm) wide, while the 4WD model accepts up to a 12-inch (305 mm) chain, so you can dig trenches for virtually any application.

¢ A hydraulic auger that runs independent of the headshaft is standard equipment on 4WD trenchers and optional on 2WD trenchers; this feature reduces the amount of carryover, increasing productivity.

Manufacturers of Trencher Attachments:

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